DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
Navy defeated Army 17–16 in a nail-biter. Army covered by 5.5; Game went Under by 4.5. The market closed at Navy -6.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Navy -5.5. The two were within a point of each other, so there was no meaningful edge in this line.
Army controlled the first half, leading 10-7 and adding a field goal to go up 16-10, but their offense stalled in the second half, failing to score after halftime.
Army's defense forced two fumbles and an interception, but failed to capitalize fully, including a fumble recovery at the 1-yard line that was nullified by a Navy recovery, and an interception return for a touchdown that was overturned by replay.
Defensive lineman Jack Bousum had a standout game with 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery, but the defense couldn't hold the lead in the fourth quarter.
Coach Jeff Monken noted that Army failed to sustain blocks in the second half, leading to a lack of offensive production and inability to control the clock.
Army (6-6) will face UConn in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 27, needing to address offensive consistency and second-half execution to finish the season with a win.
Blake Horvath threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich on 4th-and-goal with 6:32 remaining, capping a rally from a 16-10 deficit. Heidenreich caught six of Horvath's seven completions, showcasing their reliable chemistry in critical moments.
Navy committed three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) but avoided disaster each time. A fumble at the 1-yard line was recovered by Heidenreich, and a fumble by Horvath was ruled down before a second loose ball. These near-misses highlight ball security issues that could be costly against Cincinnati.
After allowing 16 first-half points, Navy's defense stiffened in the second half, holding Army scoreless. Key plays included an interception by Phillip Hamilton and limiting Army's offense after halftime, which will be crucial against Cincinnati's attack.
Horvath accounted for both touchdowns (one rushing, one passing) and had a 37-yard run that set up a field goal. However, he also threw an interception and lost a fumble, showing inconsistency that Cincinnati's defense may exploit.
Navy overcame a 16-10 deficit and multiple turnovers to win its second straight over Army, securing the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. This mental toughness and ability to execute under pressure bodes well for a bowl game against Cincinnati.
At kickoff, conditions at M&T Bank Stadium were Overcast, 38°F, wind chill 35°F with winds of 6 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Overcast
38°F
| Measure | ArmyAway | NavyHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 202 miles | 21 miles |
| Last week | Bye week | Bye week |
| Season total | 14,134 miles | 7,488 miles |
| Body clock | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Rest | 14 days | 15 days |
